Terrifying new poll shows what Americans fear will happen to the country in next 10 years

Ouadie Rhabbouron

The YouGov poll, released as midterm elections approach, paints a concerning picture. Nearly half of Americans surveyed said they fear a total economic collapse within the next decade—and that’s only part of the concern.

A quarter of respondents believe the US could experience a dictatorship within their lifetime, including 36% of Democrats and 9% of Republicans, although a majority still reject that idea. Notably, a small fraction even viewed such a scenario positively.

Fears extend further: 42% predict economic collapse, 36% believe a civil war could occur, 35% think the US might expand its territory, and 31% worry the country could cease to function as a democracy.

The poll also reflects shifting views on Trump’s leadership. On immigration—previously one of his strongest issues—trust has declined from 47% in March 2025 to 39% a year later.

When asked to describe Trump, respondents most frequently chose negative terms such as “arrogant,” “opportunistic,” and “reckless.” Other descriptors included “dishonest,” “corrupt,” and “ineffective,” with positive traits ranking much lower.

In foreign policy, Trump still maintains relatively stronger approval at 33%, but recent military actions in places like Venezuela and Iran have contributed to global instability.

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